Playwright Joel Drake Johnson’s story prompts a “No, she didn’t” response followed closely by a hand over the mouth. His conversations provoke a definite uncomfortable reaction. Stereotypes are teased out. Some of the dialogue is candy-coated politically correct. And other times, the offensive barb is just hurled. Johnson provides an office battleground for assault; cloaked paired with gasp-worthy. When a doctor wants to fire a black receptionist, he promotes his white office manager to spy. Rasheeda Speakingis discriminating from every angle.

Director Sandy Shinnerpulls us firmly into this office dynamic. Set Designer Megan Wilkerson and Prop Designer Danielle Caseestablish an authentic feel in Rivendell’s black box. Center-stage is a reception area housing two office mates. It all looks familiar: coffee pot gossip, disheveled filing system, robotic phone greeting. We’ve been here before, either as a patient or working in a similar environment. This is the kind of bullpen where pots get stirred. Shinner gives her fantastic ensemble mega spoons – and a big ole ladle to Ora Jones(Jaclyn).

Eric Slater(Doctor) introduces prejudice with white man hedging. The polished Slater subtly eggs the impressionable Tara Mallen(Ileen) into a frenzy. The nervous Mallen lets her biased imagination fill the room. The versatile Jones adds to Mallen’s agitation. Once clued into Mallen’s clandestine mission, Jones revs up the mischief. At one point, Jones answers the phone with a fake greeting and winks conspiratorially at Mallen. Watching Jones push Mallen’s button is hysterical and disturbing. Shinner keeps the manipulation flowing. As Johnson’s characters unfold and implode, we are left in search of a champion of justice. Who is the least prejudice out of this crew? Johnson layers the experiential complexities on his characters. The prejudice is lying all over this office. And sometimes, it is invited in. Lorraine Freund(Rose) delivers her cruelty wrapped in sweet old lady obtuseness.

Rasheeda Speakingis a powerful promotion for a zero tolerance policy in the workplace. It picks apart prejudice indiscriminately.

Rating: ★★★½

Rasheeda Speaing continues through February 15th at Rivendell Theatre, 5779 N. Ridge (map), with performances Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays 4pm and 8pm. Tickets are $30, and are available by phone (773.334.7728) or online through Force.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at RivendellTheatre.org. (Running time: 90 minutes, no intermission)